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Shotaro and Sungchan part ways with NCT and will be debuting under SM’s new boy group

This wasn’t the Sungtaro update we all wanted.

On May 24, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that Shotaro and Sungchan have parted ways with NCT, and will be debuting under SM 3.0’s newest boy group later this year.

The statement, which has been posted on all of their social media, as well as NCT’s official accounts, reads as follows:

“This is SM Entertainment.

First and foremost,
we would like express our sincerest gratitude to all the fans who love and support NCT.
Below is our announcement that informs you on the future plans of SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO.

As NCT members, SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO have presented wondrous performances.
However, they will be closing their chapter with NCT
and debuting in a new boy group that will launch in 2023.
We express our deepest apologies and appreciation for the fans that have been supporting
and eagerly waiting for them to debut as part of a new NCT group.

After careful consideration and discussion with SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO in preparation of SM 3.0,
we have come to a decision that would best reflect the artists’ thoughts
and each of the group’s artistic and musical direction.
We ask for your kind understanding and support
for SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO as they begin a new chapter.

NCT’s newest group will become the final group to be a part of NCT’s infinite expansion,
so we aim to launch one with a distinctive worldview that is truly representative of a regional identity.
In alignment with this, we will be increasing the number of Japanese members,
unveiling new members and sharing their debut journey with the fans.

We will provide full support for not only the NCT members but also for SUNGCHAN and SHOTARO.
We ask once again that fans show continuous
and unwavering love and support for their future endeavors.

Thank you.”

SM Entertainment also released a new video on the future plans of SM 3.0, where SM CEO Jang Cheol-yuk announced that the company plans to debut NCT’s last unit, a new boy group (where Shotaro and Sungchan will be a part of), and a new girl group in 2023.

Shohei, who was announced as a part of SM ROOKIES back in 2022, was also announced to not debut in NCT’s “New Team” for health reasons.

Shotaro and Sungchan debuted as members of NCT during the group’s second full-group comeback in 2020. Shotaro was part of the line-up for the “NCT Resonance Pt. 1” title track, “Make A Wish (Birthday Song)”, while Sungchan was part of the line-up for the “NCT Resonance Pt. 2” title track, “90’s Love”.

NCTzens and everyone who have been anticipating Shotaro and Sungchan’s official unit debut took to social media to express their disappointment at the news. While some still showed their support for the duo, others also expressed their anger at SM Entertainment for overlooking their artists.

No matter how sad we all are about the news, we’ll still support you in your future activities, Shotaro and Sungchan! The both of you will always be neo-coded to us.

 

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